Agartala : Tripura and Assam have agreed to explore greater cooperation in the food and public distribution sector, with ministers from the two states holding discussions on strengthening food security programmes and improving the efficiency of welfare delivery systems.

The meeting took place at the Tripura State Secretariat on Saturday between Tripura Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury and Assam Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Minister Kaushik Rai.

The discussions centred on enhancing the Public Distribution System (PDS), improving food security initiatives and identifying measures to make essential food services more transparent, efficient and citizen-friendly.

During the meeting, Chowdhury outlined the functioning of Tripura’s public distribution network and highlighted steps taken by the state government to strengthen food security programmes. He also shared details of initiatives aimed at improving service delivery, ensuring transparency and enhancing accountability within the system.

The two ministers exchanged views on the functioning of their respective departments and discussed the adoption of best practices that could help improve governance and service delivery in the food and consumer affairs sector.

They also explored opportunities for greater inter-state collaboration to enhance the implementation of welfare schemes and ensure that benefits reach intended beneficiaries more effectively.

A key focus of the discussions was on making food distribution services more responsive and accessible, particularly for vulnerable sections of society that depend on government-supported food security programmes.

Speaking after the meeting, Chowdhury reiterated the Tripura government’s commitment to modernising the public distribution system through reforms and technology-driven interventions.

He said the state would continue efforts to build a transparent, efficient and citizen-centric PDS that guarantees timely access to essential food supplies for all eligible beneficiaries.

Assam minister Kaushik Rai emphasised the importance of cooperation among states in strengthening public welfare programmes and improving service delivery mechanisms.

He said sharing experiences and successful practices could help states enhance the transparency, effectiveness and reach of food security initiatives. Rai also stressed the need for coordinated efforts to achieve the objective of Antyodaya-the upliftment of the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society.

The meeting reflected a growing emphasis on regional cooperation among northeastern states to improve governance, strengthen welfare systems and ensure better delivery of essential services to citizens.